The decision follows a recent move by the State of California, which updated its flammability standard for upholstered furniture. The new rules state that furniture manufacturers are no longer required to use fire retardant chemicals, which studies show provide no significant benefit to the fire safety performance of furniture.

Chemicals used as flame retardants have been linked to reproductive problems, developmental delays and cancer, among other health problems, Kaiser said. Concern over the health impacts to children, pregnant women and the general public has been growing in recent years, as scientific studies have documented the dangers of exposure.

Because of incorrect information provided to The Sun, a blog post incorrectly reported the number of medical facilities that Kaiser Permanente has in Maryland. The health system has 19 medical centers and 7 administrative facilities.

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